As people all over West Michigan prepare for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life, they are thinking and talking about cancer. During the relay, walkers and runners will celebrate their survival, remember loved ones who have died from cancer and talk with others about their own surgery, chemotherapy and how the disease has changed their lives.

Gail Hollinger, of Wayland, is well known as one of the friendly staff members at Henika District Library. She works as the library's circulation manager. Hollinger is also a wife, mother, artist, musician, weaver, singer, jewelry designer and cancer survivor.

When Hollinger, 61, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago in March, she was not surprised. Her mother is a cancer survivor, other family members have had cancer and Hollinger has lost loved ones to the disease. During a routine mammogram, Hollinger learned that she had stage one, type three cancer. Although the cancer was detected early, it was a rapidly invasive type of malignant cancer that required three separate surgeries, as well as chemotherapy and radiation.

The cancer was spreading rapidly and the doctors told Hollinger, "We didn't get clean edges."

"Chemo is no fun. It's like being on a roller coaster," Hollinger said.

During her treatment, she couldn't be very active.

"Going through the day was enough, just to have family around," Hollinger said.

Her husband Skip was very helpful during her ordeal.

"He was a rock," Hollinger said.

Skip accompanied his wife to appointments and treatment sessions. That summer, the couple built a clay beehive shaped wood fired oven, to use for baking bread and pizza.

Sister-in-law Sandy Burke was, "Always there for me and I always knew I could cry on her shoulder," Hollinger said.

During her treatment, there were periods when Hollinger dropped out of sight, but "People remembered that I was out there." She appreciated the prayers from her friends and knowing that others were thinking about her.

Hollinger is taking a proactive stance on living a healthy lifestyle and can often be seen riding her bike to and from the library. She recently lost 50 pounds, eats healthy food, exercises regularly and has a personal trainer. She remains cancer free and has regained her health and energy. The weight loss has made a dramatic difference in her health and well being, Hollinger said.

"Oh my gosh! It is not just the weight I lost, but I am more physically fit and eat better," Hollinger said.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, they give up control of their body to their medical care providers.

"They slash, burn and poison you until you are considered well," Hollinger said.

Taking control of her health and losing weight has helped to give her a feeling of empowerment.
Hollinger, who is looking forward to showing her weaving at the Michigan Fiber Festival at the Allegan County Fairgrounds, Aug. 15 through 16, said that art was a vital part of her recovery.

"Art is part of the process," Hollinger said. "Art is so much of who I am. I couldn't imagine life without that."

Having regular mammograms helped saved Hollinger's life and she encourages other women to do the same.